In the glass
Aroma: dark plum, violet, cedar, spice
Palate: dark berry, fine tannin, tobacco, long savoury close
Single-vineyard Merlot-led Bordeaux blend from Pares Balta. Named for co-winemaker Maria Elena Jimenez.
What it pairs with
-
Iberian pork secreto
Find iberian pork secreto on TableJourney →
Marbled pork meets the wine's firm tannin and dark fruit. -
Catalan estofat de bou
Find catalan estofat de bou on TableJourney →
Slow-braised beef and Merlot-led Bordeaux blends share register. -
Aged Manchego
Sheep's-milk salt sharpens dark fruit and softens tannin grip. -
Braised lamb shoulder
Long-cooked lamb sits perfectly with full-bodied Bordeaux-style reds.
History
Single-vineyard Merlot-led Bordeaux blend from Pares Balta, named for co-winemaker Maria Elena Jimenez. Biodynamic since 2013.
- 2001 — First Mas Elena vintage
Facts
- Producer
- Pares Balta
- Grapes
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
- Classification
- DO Penedes
- Oak
- Ageing in French oak barriques
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 20 to 30 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2001
- Biodynamic
- Demeter Certified
- Organic
- CCPAE
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Mas Elena Merlot
What does Mas Elena taste like?
Dark plum, violet, cedar and spice on the nose; dark berry, fine tannin, tobacco and a long savoury close on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannin.
When should I drink Mas Elena?
Drink 3 to 12 years from vintage. A 45 minute decant in youth lifts the violet and dark-fruit notes.
Is Mas Elena vegan?
Yes. All Pares Balta wines are vegan and Demeter-certified biodynamic.
What food pairs with Mas Elena?
Iberian pork secreto and Catalan estofat de bou are canonical pairings. Aged Manchego and braised lamb shoulder are equally strong.
What grapes are in Mas Elena?
Merlot-led Bordeaux blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, single-vineyard from the biodynamic estate.